THE MDC-T on Friday called for the unconditional lifting of
all forms of sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe, after MDC Alliance members
were accused of calling on Washington to maintain its economic embargo until
after the holding of free and fair elections.
This came as Foreign Affairs and International Trade
minister, Sibusiso Moyo on Wednesday attacked MDC Alliance officials Nelson
Chamisa and Tendai Biti and activists Dewa Mavhinga and Peter Godwin for
ostensibly urging the United States to maintain sanctions against Zimbabwe.
The emotive subject of sanctions has divided opinion among
a cross section of Zimbabweans, with Chamisa insisting that Moyo had
misunderstood their mission.
Yesterday, MDC-T spokesperson, Obert Gutu said the party
wanted all kinds of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe lifted to give the country a
fresh start after years of economic collapse blamed on former President Robert
Mugabe’s policies.
“All forms of sanctions that were imposed against Zimbabwe
must be IMMEDIATELY removed!!!,” Gutu posted on Facebook.
In an interview with Southern Eye, Gutu said that is the
party position.
“That is our party position. The MDC-T is against and does
not believe in any forms of sanctions, and we are saying they must be lifted,”
he said.
On Thursday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, while addressing
a central committee ahead of Zanu PF’s extraordinary congress, also called for
the “unconditional lifting of the political and economic sanctions, which have
crippled our national development”.
“We realise that isolation is not splendid or viable, as
there is more to gain through solidarity, mutual beneficial partnerships,
which, however, recognise our unique national interests. Government will, thus,
pursue a robust re-engagement process to fully affirm our belonging to the
family of nations,” he said.
Zanu PF blames sanctions for ruining the country’s economy,
while the opposition has for years argued otherwise, saying the ruling party’s
policies have, had a knock-on effect on the economy and chased away investment.
Newsday
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